Question 1

What are the hours and location for Kishwauketoe?

Accepted Answer

Kishwauketoe is open from dawn to dusk year round. There are no  entrance fees. 
Kishwauketoe is 5 miles west of Lake Geneva. The main entrance is at 251 Elkhorn Road (at the intersection of Stark  Street)  which is on Hwy. 67 – 1 mile south of Hwy. 50. There are also entrances  on Geneva Street across from the beach and another trail  across from  the boat launch.

The official street address for Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy is: 
251 Elkhorn Road Williams Bay, WI 53191

Longitude/Latitude Coordinates:  42°34’58.5″N 88°32’27.5″W

There are also two access points on Harris Road, which is along the  eastern border of Kishwauketoe. This can be accessed from Hwy. 50 on the  north or Geneva Street on the south. The Arboretum is located midway on  Harris road from Hwy. 50 and Geneva Street.

Question 2

Is there an entrance fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Kishwauketoe is open to the public dusk to dawn free of charge. Donations to support our on-going restoration work are always appreciated.

Question 3

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

Public parking is available directly across from the main entrance at the Village of Williams Bay Lion’s Club Field House (270 Elkhorn Rd, Williams Bay, WI 53191) and the parking lot at intersection of Geneva Street and Harris Road.

Question 4

Where can I find a map of Kishwauketoe?

Accepted Answer

Trail Maps and guides are available at all entrances to Kishwauketoe.  However, you can download a trail map here

Question 5

What to expect on the trails

Accepted Answer

Trails consist of mowed grass paths with some gravel sections and boardwalks installed in wetland areas.  Some trails may be muddy and/or icy depending on weather conditions.  Please stay on trails to protect ecosystems. Find current conditions and reviews here

Question 6

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Leashed dogs are welcome.  Unleashed dogs disturb nesting and migrating birds, and risk encounters with other wildlife. All waste must be bagged and removed by the owner.

Question 7

What does Kishwauketoe mean?

Accepted Answer

The name Kishwauketoe, derived from Potawatomi origins, translates to “Clear Water” or “Lake of the Sparkling Water,” reflecting the beauty of Geneva Lake and honoring the Potawatomi people, known as “Keepers of the Sacred Fire” or “The True People.” This land is rich in Native American history, as the Potawatomi once inhabited the area, making the conservancy a place of both natural beauty and historical significance.

Question 8

Donations and Gifts

Accepted Answer

Kishwauketoe runs solely on donations and volunteers.  All donations make a difference!

Donations can be made by check and sent to: Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy 
PO Box 580, Williams Bay, WI 53191

Donations can be made online by clicking here:

Donations  are made via Zeffy.  Zeffy is 100% free for our organization—there are  no platform or transaction fees. When you donate, you’ll see an option  to add a small contribution to support Zeffy. This is completely  optional and helps Zeffy keep their services free for nonprofits like  us. You can adjust the amount or choose not to contribute if you prefer.  Thank you for your support!

Question 9

Where can I find information on Volunteering?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer—because superheroes don’t always wear capes, they wear sunscreen, work gloves, bug spray, and smiles.  Learn more about how you can volunteer and help make a difference.

Question 10

What are some of the restoration activities that take place at KNC?

Accepted Answer

Staff and volunteers work together to restore and maintain native prairie and wetland habitats through an integrated approach that includes seed harvesting, controlled burns, invasive species removal, tree pruning and propagation, native tree and understory planting, selective brush clearing, and trail rehabilitation. These efforts support biodiversity, stimulate native plant growth, and support natural water, soil and habitat ecosystems. Together, our long-term restoration practices strengthen ecological health and provide vital habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, preserving this natural area and Geneva Lake for future generations.

To learn more about the restorations taking place at Kishwauketoe or how to volunteer, please contact us at 262-581-5304 or via our contact page.

Question 11

What important role does KNC play in the Geneva Lake ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The Kishwauketoe wetland in Williams Bay plays an important  ecological, environmental, and social role.  It moderates flood flow,  improves water quality, recharges groundwater, and provides a diversity  of plants and animals.
This area is the largest intact wetland remaining in the watershed of  Geneva Lake. Two large Geneva Lake tributary streams, Harris and  Southwick, meander through the property, and are cleansed by the actions  of the wetland.   Each year, 565,000,000 gallons of water run through  Kishwauketoe from these creeks.
Kishwauketoe is a wonderful pristine natural habitat and provides a  safe and beautiful dimension to recreation in the Geneva Lake area.   Opportunities for enjoying the benefits of the Conservancy are apparent  during all four seasons.
–        2002 KNC Newsletter

Question 12

Can I host an event at Kishwauketoe?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can host an event at Kishwauketoe. Applications must be filed with the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy Board at least 60 days prior to the date for which the reserved use of an area is requested. The application request must be completed in full with one person identified and authorized as the person responsible for the event.

Question 13

Can I hunt in Kishwauketoe?

Accepted Answer

Bow hunting ONLY November 1 - December 31, sunrise to 10:00am, and 3:00pm to sunset; in designated areas only displayed on map provided by the Williams Bay Police Department.

To be eligible to bow hunt in Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, hunters must provide the following: 
Hunter must register with the Williams Bay Police Department BEFORE entering KNC for the purpose of deer bow hunting. 
A valid Hunter’s Safety Certificate. 
A current State of Wisconsin Bow Deer Hunting license.

251 Elkhorn Rd., Williams Bay, WI 53191 | 262-581-5304

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Open to the Public Year-Round

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